Testimonials

Doug Blaha, Captain USN (ret) - Hip Replacement

OSC Physician: Dr. Haynes

Alaska was the Motivation!

On our 40th anniversary in 2001, we took out entire family, including grandchildren, on a two-week cruise to Alaska, a lifetime dream. During the trip, our adult children said “ Dad, you’re limping” and my usual reply was “yeah, but it doesn’t hurt very much”. Clearly, I walked less and enjoyed it less.

After returning home, I made an appointment to see Dr. Boyd Haynes, who I had met socially a few years earlier, to discuss my limp. He explained that it was caused by arthritis in my right hip and that I would eventually be a candidate for a new hip. He asked if it affected my lifestyle and I replied honestly that it really didn’t. He suggested over-the- counter pain medications would relieve most of the symptoms and until it affected my lifestyle, no further action was necessary. He was right.

Several years later, in 2006, we began planning a two-month trip to Alaska in our motorhome, along with a group of retired military families. Thinking ahead, I did not want to miss out on any side trips or hikes during this adventure. Returning to Dr. Boyd Haynes, we scheduled a hip replacement in January 2007 as it was now “affecting my lifestyle”.

I left my hip pain in the operating room. My recovery was fast and even enjoyable. What a pleasure to walk without pain. Used a cane for less than a week and was driving a month later. By March, we were traveling again and in June, we made the most enjoyable trip to Alaska.

In the seven years since, we have visited every state (except Hawaii) and every Canadian Province in our RV. I’ve hiked the canyons and arches in Utah and walked on the seafloor of the Bay of Fundy and I have not taken any pain medicine for my hip in years. The only time I am reminded of my new hip is when I put my socks on in the morning. I can’t put my right ankle on my left knee to put my socks on.

Now 75 years old, my wife of 52 years and I are very grateful for Dr. Boyd Haynes and the wonderful folks at Orthopaedic & Spine Center that allow us to continue enjoying life and the lifestyle we enjoy.

Dianne Spears - Spine Surgery

OSC Physician: Dr. Carlson
My name is Dianne Spears. I am originally from Hudson Falls, New York, but have lived in the Tidewater area for over 40 years. During those years, the Orthopaedic and Spine Center (OSC) has been a place I could count on to remedy the damage I did to multiple body parts. For example, Dr. Boyd Haynes has repaired for me two rotator cuff and two meniscus tears.

On October 21, 2013, I fainted and fell, hitting my head. The doctors at the Bon Secours Harbour View Emergency Room determined that I fainted due to sinus bradycardia or slow heartbeat rate. This diagnosis was confirmed by a Tilt Table Test (TTT) ordered by Dr. Robert Accettola at the Cardiac Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Dr. Accettola gave me a prescription to balance my blood pressure and heart rate; and, he indicated that it was very important for me to immediately address the increasing pain in my neck and arm apparently caused by the accident.

My first thought was of the OSC. I made an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey R. Carlson on November 1, 2013. During this appointment, it became frighteningly apparent that I was unable to lift my right arm away from my body more than about 25 degrees. The MRI Dr. Carlson ordered at the Open Imaging Center confirmed that joint arthrosis and mild to moderately severe disc narrowing, dessication and bulging was causing compressing on the nerve controlling my right arm from the 5th cervical disc in my neck. My husband and I love ballroom dancing, but I was afraid I would be unable to dance very well again.

However, Dr. Carlson recommended a surgical procedure called Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) that he performs three or four times a week. Although I was overwhelmed by the injury and the procedure, I was reassured by the confidence Dr. Carlson and his staff demonstrated.

Kaye Dame, Dr. Carlson’s Surgical Scheduler described that the ACDF would be performed at the Surgical Pavilion at Mary Immaculate Hospital. She carefully went over pre-surgery instructions and preparations which further reduced my anxiety. She also indicated that Dr. Carlson ordered Personal Touch Home Care Nursing, Physical Therapy and Medical Equipment at my home following the surgery.

On December 4, 2013, Dr. Carlson removed the disc material between my C4, C5, C6 and C7 vertebrae through a small incision in the front of my neck. He replaced the material with bone grafts held in place by a small metal plate with screws to enable the bones to fuse or heal together. To aid the fusion, Dr. Carlson ordered a bone stimulator which was delivered to my home a week after the surgery.

As I write this testimonial, it has been 18 days from the surgery. I must say my overall experience was much easier than I anticipated. That is, Dr. Carlson’s process from beginning to end was superb. My pain was managed amazingly well in the hospital. The hospital staff was very responsive to helping me through the night after surgery, but were less so during the morning shift change.

I was able to stop taking pain medication at home five days after the surgery. I only have a tiny line on my neck at the surgical site that is fading fast. I have full range of motion and I am building strength in my right arm. I am happy to report that my husband and I were able to dance at our Christmas parties this year.

Deborah Seward - Knee Replacement

Physician – Dr. Jeffrey Carlson

I was in pain every day. I was going to see other doctors and they would treat the pain, but it didn’t go away. So, a friend of mine went on the Internet and found Dr. Carlson and pulled up his history. I made an appointment to see him.

When I got the appointment, Dr. Carlson x-rayed my left leg and saw that the bone was on bone in my knee. He let me know that I needed a knee replacement.

On December 31, 2024 I had a total knee replacement. To make a long story short, I feel better than I have ever felt, thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Carlson. He is the best!

Cristi Hayes - Hip Replacement, Pain Management

Physician – Dr. Haynes

My name is Cristi Hayes. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of my right hip, back in 2008 at the age of 35. In February 2013 at the age of 39, Dr. Haynes performed a total hip replacement of my right hip. So I’m here to tell you my story.

I have had problems with my hip since 2007. The main problem was when I would sit down for a while and go to get up, my hip felt like it was stuck. It would be so painful until I worked out the kink. After about a year and a half of pain, I finally broke down and went to go see my primary care physician. After explaining to her what had been going on, she decided to order x-rays and refer me to an orthopedic surgeon. I was originally referred to a different orthopedic surgeon. My experience was not good. With this particular surgeon, I waited for almost 2 hours to get called back into a room and the doctor spent about 5 minutes with me. When I asked him how we could fix my problem, the first thing he said was a total hip replacement. Well, that was not an option for me at that time. The doctor didn’t explain anything to me. I left the office almost in tears. As soon as I left, I called a friend of mine and told her what had just happened. She suggested that I call my primary care physician and get another referral for a different orthopedic surgeon, and she suggested that I go and see someone at Orthopaedic & Spine Center.

I made an appointment with Dr. Petrow. I was very nervous when I arrived at my appointment. I was praying this office visit would be a better experience, since I didn’t have a good experience at the last orthopedic surgeon. It could not have been any better. Dr. Petrow sat down and showed me the x-rays, explained to me what osteoarthritis was. He told me I was too young for a hip replacement, and that there were other options to try before a total hip replacement would even be considered. He wanted to prolong it as long as possible.

We decided that it would be a good idea to try a joint injection in my hip to see how that would work. I saw Dr. Sureja for that procedure. The first injection I received lasted about 2 years. I waited another year before I went back and had another injection. That one lasted about a year. I received my 3rd joint injection in October 2012. Unfortunately for me, it did not relieve the pain. I was told I could receive another injection in 3 months. In December, I started to have a hard time sleeping. I would wake up 5-6 times a night in pain. I decided to go see a doctor about trying to get a prescription to take at night until I was able to see Dr. Sureja for another joint injection. I explained my story to him and he decided to get some x-rays of my hip. He looked at the x-rays and told me what he saw in the x-ray, that he didn’t think the injections would be beneficial to me anymore, and needed to go see my orthopedic surgeon.

I chose to see Dr. Boyd Haynes, since Dr. Petrow was no longer practicing with OSC. Dr. Haynes sat down and talked to me and we decided that it was time to get my hip replaced. Dr. Haynes performed the Anterior Hip Replacement. The surgery went really well. I was in the hospital for 24 hours and up walking the same day of the surgery. Everything was set up with the home health nurse, occupational therapist and physical therapist coming to my home before I even left the hospital. I didn’t have to worry about making any phone calls to set anything up.

I was given exercises to do at home by the physical therapist before I left the hospital. I was told to do them several times a day, which I did. I went off the pain medicine after 10 days. I used a walker for 9 days, and then went to a cane. I used a cane for about a week and a half. After my 2 week follow-up visit with Dr. Haynes, I returned to work. I started outpatient physical therapy, and continued that for 3 weeks and then I was discharged. I still did the exercises at home since I was no longer going to outpatient physical therapy.

One thing everyone needs to keep in mind is that everyone handles pain differently and everyone’s body heals at different rates. Don’t think that right after surgery everything will be 100%. We all have to work at getting our muscles back to normal. I was blessed, as I did not have any complications. I couldn’t have done it without Dr. Haynes doing such a great job. Eight weeks after surgery, I noticed more and more improvements. I could sit down and not have to worry about my hip getting stuck and sleep through the night without waking up 5-6 times in pain. At my 10 week visit, I was told I didn’t have to come back for one year. All is have to say is great things about this practice. One thing that I really appreciate is that the doctors were willing to try other options instead of rushing into surgery. I never waited longer than 20 minutes to get called back to see the doctor. From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank Dr. Haynes enough for doing such a great job. You are amazing.

Craig Warren - Spine Surgery

Physician: Dr. Jeffrey Carlson

I would like to thank Dr. Carlson for saving my husband’s life. An unrelated MRI, that was completed at my husband’s job, showed that my husband had a bone spur pressing against his spinal cord right at the base of his brain. As we looked at the MRI and Dr. Carlson explained the seriousness of the problem, he did so in a way that assured us that everything was going to be just fine.

Since we did not come to the office expecting to hear that my husband needed surgery, I was in shock. After I quickly prayed and tried to hold back my tears, Dr. Carlson educated us regarding the problem and the surgical procedure that was needed and was available to answer any questions we had (and we had quite a few!). He and his staff were extremely patient and compassionate.

Dr. Carlson’s staff (especially Kaye) helped us to quickly schedule surgery and to maneuver through a tricky insurance issue, as my husband had to switch from regular coverage to COBRA. I feel like we received the best medical care possible and could not have asked for a better doctor. I was amazed that when my husband got to his room, Dr. Carlson’s office had a cheerful flower arrangement waiting in the room for him.

My husband’s scar will always be there to remind us of this trial, but I believe that the precision that Dr. Carlson used made even the scarring minimal for such a procedure as this. We are forever thankful to God for Dr. Carlson and his staff and we highly recommend him for anyone who needs an Orthpaedic Surgeon.

Bonnie Sizemore - Spine Surgery

Physician: Dr. Carlson

I developed severe pain in my lower back on July 1, 2012. After going to the ER, they gave a diagnosis of sciatica. The pain was not helped by the Tylenol #3 prescribed. On July 3, 2012, I went to see a chiropractor, Dr. Boon, in Williamsburg, who I have been seeing since 1991. She, upon examining me, did not do a regular treatment, but made the diagnosis of a pinched nerve in my lower lumbar. I kept ice packs on my back and leg and as she suggested, called Dr. Carlson’s office. They did an MRI, which confirmed a pinched nerved in my lower lumbar. Dr. Carlson did surgery at Mary Immaculate Hospital on July 23, 2013. It was an 8 week recovery, but the pain relief was immediate in my leg. The recovery medications made me very drowsy, but managed the pain.

Dr. Carlson is truly the top of orthopedic surgeons. Everything healed as he said it would. It gave me a new chance at daily life, without pain & strong medications. I can go to the YMCA, shop, play with my grandkids and enjoy being active again.

Allan Cohen - Hip Replacement

Physician– Dr. Boyd W. Haynes III

My name is Allan Cohen. I am semi-retired and live in South Florida. My right hip had extensive arthritis, making it difficult and painful to walk. X-rays showed I needed a hip replacement. Living in South Florida, there is no shortage of good surgeons to perform such an operation. But, I knew the only place to go was Orthopaedic and Spine Center and see Dr. Boyd Haynes.

Dr. Haynes performs hip replacement from the front/side rather than the old, more common rear approach procedure. The results are radical. The pain is greatly reduced and recovery goes from 3-4 months to 6 weeks. After 1 week, I was able to walk without the use of a walker. After 2 weeks, I was able to walk without a cane. It is now 3 weeks and I am taking 20 minute daily walks without pain. I feel 90-95% recovered. It is truly amazing how quickly the recovery took place.

Besides being an excellent surgeon, Dr. Haynes truly cares about his patients and will take as much time as necessary to answer your questions. I feel grateful that this doctor was the one that operated on me.

Nancy Carney - Spine Surgery

I am a 73-year-old retired R.N. who has experienced my share of heavy lifting. Until this past year, I was able to cope with the hip and leg pain I was having, but now it was intolerable. I could walk only short distances and stand for only brief periods. Consequently, I carried a campstool with me so that I might sit as needed. Not receiving any medical support to deal with the problem, I began to look elsewhere. In the early Fall, I saw an article featuring Dr. Jeffery Carlson speaking about spinal problems. My husband, two friends and I attended a seminar on spinal problems and to our amazement my problems were described to a “T”. Dr. Carlson answered everyone’s questions and a tour of the facility followed.

Being a nurse, I had seen countless spinal patients in traction and experiencing more than one surgery to no avail. I vowed not to travel that road and yet here I was sitting across from Dr. Carlson. He listened to my tale of woe, ordered an MRI and gave me a prescription to deal with the pain. What a relief! At my next appointment, he showed us the MRI results, explained my problem and how he could correct it. As it happens, my original diagnosis was inaccurate and the quality of my remaining years would have been greatly diminished had I not sought a second opinion. My surgery was decompression and lumbar fusion and was performed on 12-13-10. Postoperatively, although I had pain from the surgery, the original pain in my hip and leg were gone. For a doubting Thomas, this was a miracle.

The well-organized care, personal attention by Dr. Carlson and the honesty with which he directed my care were impressive and appreciated. My friends, relatives and physical therapist are amazed by the speed and quality of my recovery.

OSC is second to none.

Sincerely,
Nancy Carney

Maureen Hutchens - Spine Surgery

I was unaware of impending back issues when I awoke one morning in July 2010 unable to stand up straight. I had always been apprehensive about back surgery in general, but after listening to Dr. Jeffery Carlson I was reassured that microdiskectomy was the way to end the pain from my herniated disc. He was right.

When I woke up from surgery I immediately felt immense relief. After 5-6 weeks I had fully recovered with no residual ill effects.

I feel that everyone at OSC played their part in making my outpatient surgery a smooth sequence of events. From the moment that the appointments are scheduled, everyone greets you with a smile and a very professional manner. It is a very great convenience that x-ray and MRI services are available on site. Follow-up care is very thorough. I had several questions after I got home, and when I called the office a woman named Barbara Tuori was most helpful and I certainly feel like I owe her many thanks for being available and for her kindness.

Dr. Carlson has my total gratitude and respect. I am delighted to recommend him and the entire office, especially to anyone who might be hesitating about seeking help for orthopedic issues.

Marla Prow Brown - Knee Replacement/Spine Surgery

Never realizing how genetics and other factors would affect me in years to come, I was referred to Dr. Haynes by Dr. Trieshmann - well over ten years ago regarding knee replacement/partial knee replacement - to discuss different avenues available to me. After everything else was tried - it was inevitable that no other solutions would fix my deteriorating knees (and other body parts). Hence, my first knee replacement.

When I met Dr. Haynes many years ago, I was delighted to find an Ortho Surgeon with a sense of humor. Right up my alley!! I also found Dr. Haynes to be compassionate and sensitive to my plight. I am one of those patients who really DOES believe a doctor with a sense of humor in addition to knowledge, skill and experience - positively assists with overall recovery, not to mention putting the patient more at ease.

Since then, needless to say, I have several surgeries from Dr. Haynes. Due to his skills, I was finally able to walk down the halls at school and not hang on to the walls.

The staff at OSC knows me as well—and I kid with them if that is a good thing or not! The Office Staff is very pleasant, highly efficient, organized and helpful when it came to me needing anything from an appointment, records or paperwork.

I trust Dr. Haynes and his P.A. Jamie implicitly. They are also familiar with my home life, pain level, amount of energy I may or may not have, work history, family support, medical history and what effort is required upon returning to work. In order to heal properly with good results, patients MUST (also) be vigilant with Drs. orders, follow through instructions, PT, rest, etc. I have been been a very compliant patient as I do not want to end up as a statistic and be wheelchair bound and avoid any complications that may occur due to my negligence.

Since they do know me so well, it allows me to be honest and open regarding my reason for the doctor visit. I feel as though Dr. Haynes knows I wouldn’t make an appointment - or complain, unless I truly had an issue with either of my knees.

I also dealt with blinding pain that ran up and down my right leg, after a work related fall. I was sent to Physical Therapy centers, and had no choice which ones. Their offices were overcrowded and inept. They took no time to delve into the root of my discomfort. They merely assigned a busy aide to do therapy on my leg.

I requested an appointment with Dr. Carlson @ OSC. - as Dr. Haynes had suggested Dr. Carlson for my ailment. Dr. Carlson sent me to Physical Therapy @ OSC. I met Dave, the Therapist who took my history, symptoms, topped off with a hands on examination. I was in utter disbelief as Dave discovered that the pain in my leg, was due to deteriorated disks in my BACK. I finally found some relief and was very grateful that I had requested Dr. Carlson.

Dr. Carlson’s surgical skills then alleviated yet more bone deterioration in my lower back-and I am grateful to him and his P.A. as well. For the first time in almost 2 years, my leg didn’t hurt.

Over the years, Dr. Haynes has gotten quite popular indeed. I know I have suggested OSC to numerous friends and co-workers.

I am proud to be Dr. Haynes’ and Jamie’s “special” patient!! Thank you!!

Marla Prow Brown
Hampton, Va.